Semi-milled or wholly milled rice market in Democratic Republic of the Congo

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the market volume for semi-milled or wholly milled rice in the Democratic Republic of the Congo expanded from 829.5 thousand tonnes to 1,112.8 thousand tonnes. This growth was supported by an increase in domestic production, which rose from 740.4 thousand tonnes to 926.6 thousand tonnes, aided by the dissemination of improved NERICA varieties and the launch of local projects like Rikolto that promoted sustainable practices and quality labels. At the same time, imports grew substantially to cover a persistent supply gap, with the country relying on imports for about 82% of its consumption needs, particularly in eastern regions where local output was insufficient.

The market volume stabilized in 2022 at 1,108.4 thousand tonnes, as a drop in imports to 119.8 thousand tonnes offset continued production growth. Infrastructure constraints and insecurity in the east, which affected distribution, likely contributed to the import decline. In 2023, market volume recovered to 1,134.9 thousand tonnes, as imports rebounded to 161.2 thousand tonnes and production remained high at 973.7 thousand tonnes. During this period, the government showed renewed interest in the rice sector, with projects aimed at intensifying production and improving the quality of local rice, while the Rikolto project continued to strengthen sustainable production and marketing cooperatives.

In 2024, the UN Security Council renewed sanctions against the DRC until July 2025, and the government announced a major agro-processing project in Congo Central province to process 700,000 tonnes of agricultural products, including rice. International rice prices fell by 17.6% year-on-year.

Production semi-milled or wholly milled rice in Democratic Republic of the Congo

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the Democratic Republic of the Congo was among the world's leading producers of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, ranking 26th globally by production volume.

Top producers of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, 2017-2020

Semi-milled or wholly milled rice production in the Democratic Republic of the Congo increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 865.5 K t, which is 7.1% higher than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 24%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports semi-milled or wholly milled rice from Democratic Republic of the Congo

Exports in kind, K t

In 2018, the Democratic Republic of the Congo exported 0.0 K t of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, representing a 96.0% year-on-year decline.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Uganda was the primary destination for exports in kind of semi-milled or wholly milled rice from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, accounting for 90.6% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2018, the Democratic Republic of the Congo exported 2 K $ US of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, down by 80.2% compared to 2017.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Democratic Republic of the Congo in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017–2020, Uganda remained the dominant and nearly exclusive destination for exports in value terms of semi-milled or wholly milled rice from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with a share of 92.7%.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Democratic Republic of the Congo in value, 2017-2020

Imports semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Democratic Republic of the Congo

Imports in kind, K t

Foreign supplies of semi-milled or wholly milled rice to the Democratic Republic of the Congo increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 178.7 K t, marking a notable increase of 20.3% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 147.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 35.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical pattern of imports in kind was characterized by a strong dominance of Thailand, which held a 73.9% share of total flows, while other partners accounted for relatively minor shares.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Foreign supplies of semi-milled or wholly milled rice to the Democratic Republic of the Congo increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 36 903 K $ US, up by 3.0% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 27.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 28 451 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 2.0%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 26.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Democratic Republic of the Congo in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Over 2017–2020, Thailand was the dominant source for imports in value terms of semi-milled or wholly milled rice to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, accounting for 75.9% of total flows, with the remaining share distributed among several smaller markets.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Democratic Republic of the Congo in value, 2017-2020